Billups practices, expected to play in Game 1 of East finals

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups practiced with the Detroit Pistons and is expected to be ready to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Detroit coach Flip Saunders said Billups looked good enough in practice Thursday that he could have played if there was a game. Billups missed the last two games against the Orlando Magic in the second round with a strained right hamstring.

The Pistons will open the conference finals Sunday if the Boston Celtics eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 on Friday. If the Cavs extend the series to Game 7, the conference finals are expected to begin Tuesday night.